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Archive 2013Sony A7/A7R Setup
p.6 #1Sony A7/A7R Setup
I want to follow up the previous post regarding AF vs. MF lenses on the A7r with my personal experience using AF lenses vs. MF lenses on my Nex 7, which I think will apply to my A7r.
I have totally come over to Sebboh's view on not liking AF. For the first year that I had my Nex 7, I only used MF lenses and I was blown away by my high percentage of critically focused shots. Then I got a Sony 35/1.8, 50/1.8 and later a Touit 32. The bottom line is that I got lazy and used AF without checking focus with focus magnification. I was able to take many more shots, but my percentage of critically focused shots decreased dramatically once I started using AF. I know this is due to my own bad habit of not double checking camera focus when using an AF lens, but the temptation is often too high for me to just rely on the camera's AF and not double check focus. As a result, for now, I intend to use my A7r only with MF lenses and I'll use other cameras with less demanding sensors to AF for grab shots of people where focus may not be as critical.
I have totally come over to Sebboh's view on not liking AF. For the first year that I had my Nex 7, I only used MF lenses and I was blown away by my high percentage of critically focused shots. Then I got a Sony 35/1.8, 50/1.8 and later a Touit 32. The bottom line is that I got lazy and used AF without checking focus with focus magnification. I was able to take many more shots, but my percentage of critically focused shots decreased dramatically once I started using AF. I know this is due to my own bad habit of not double checking camera focus when using an AF lens, but the temptation is often too high for me to just rely on the camera's AF and not double check focus. As a result, for now, I intend to use my A7r only with MF lenses and I'll use other cameras with less demanding sensors to AF for grab shots of people where focus may not be as critical.
Dec 05, 2013 at 01:37 PM
p.6 #2Sony A7/A7R Setup
thanks for the info! I'm starting to get this thing customized! So far I've made the following adjustments, and here is my reasoning (open for discussion):
1. C1 -- grid lines. I don't know, just thought it might be an interesting use of the button since I can't see myself ever digging through a menu to add grid lines. This is probably the button someone else could probably convince me to bump out for another option (suggestions?)
2. C2 -- focus magnification. I like that I can have my thumb activating focus magnify and then if I want to, I can immediately end the magnify with the shutter button and continue pressing shutter to take the shot. With focus magnify on C1, it would seem you have to move your index finger from C1 to the shutter, which seems not the best plan...
3. I'm leaving Af/Ael alone as per the prior post suggestion (when I add an auto focus lens, I don't want to have to re-learn different buttons)
4. Function button -- I took a suggestion I found on the internet somewhere and eliminated the top row of options completely, leaving 6 of my most used functions here (any suggestions on what makes the top 6?)
5. C3 -- deactivate monitor. As has been said, unfortunately this simply eliminates the image, but leaves the LCD active with information/data. Perhaps a future firmware update will allow the LCD to be completely shut off with this feature for battery life preservation.
6. the click wheel -- kept ISO on the dial because it kinda reminds me of my leica film camera ISO dial (is this a terrible idea?), kept the WB, and shooting mode (right and left clicks) the same. Made the push button eye detection and made the down button face detection. I don't know, I was thinking this might help once I get the auto focus lens.
More questions though:
1. what is the difference between "Auto" and "Program" modes?
2. how do people generally use 1 & 2 on the mode dial? I would think something like this: set one for some kind of scene mode that is often used, like landscape, keep max ISO very low, manual focus and settings, and set the other for some sport mode, like high max ISO, auto settings, etc..,
3. And a survey for the day: how many people think the shutter button should have been located closer to where the dial on the hand grip is, and the dial where the shutter button is. I have pretty small fingers and I find myself pulling my index finger back to hit the shutter. Can anyone think of a little mechanical device that could somehow re-locate a more ergonomic shutter (come on, there has to be an inventive type out there...)
4. My final question (for now) -- I've successfully transitioned from the initial shock of the A7 being quite the opposite of my leica, and from the terrible manual, to seeing the benefits of all this technology and how it could very much compliment my leica. Unfortunately, that leaves me craving an autofocus lens! It seems that the only one available now is the 35mm, and perhaps the 55mm, and I already have 35mm and a 50mm Leica lenses. What would be the best plan to try out the AF features of this camera: (1) get the 55(currently the most versatile IMO), (2) wait for the 24-70mm f4 (I generally shy away from zooms, but just started to consider this when I think about this camera as a companion to my fully manual leica setup), (3) get neither and wait for the 70-200 f4 OSS? That will be one long wait
Arg...I need a brain replacement with all these choices. Maybe I'll dump all of this and go back to a plastic Diana camera -- then I can focus on shooting ONLY
1. C1 -- grid lines. I don't know, just thought it might be an interesting use of the button since I can't see myself ever digging through a menu to add grid lines. This is probably the button someone else could probably convince me to bump out for another option (suggestions?)
2. C2 -- focus magnification. I like that I can have my thumb activating focus magnify and then if I want to, I can immediately end the magnify with the shutter button and continue pressing shutter to take the shot. With focus magnify on C1, it would seem you have to move your index finger from C1 to the shutter, which seems not the best plan...
3. I'm leaving Af/Ael alone as per the prior post suggestion (when I add an auto focus lens, I don't want to have to re-learn different buttons)
4. Function button -- I took a suggestion I found on the internet somewhere and eliminated the top row of options completely, leaving 6 of my most used functions here (any suggestions on what makes the top 6?)
5. C3 -- deactivate monitor. As has been said, unfortunately this simply eliminates the image, but leaves the LCD active with information/data. Perhaps a future firmware update will allow the LCD to be completely shut off with this feature for battery life preservation.
6. the click wheel -- kept ISO on the dial because it kinda reminds me of my leica film camera ISO dial (is this a terrible idea?), kept the WB, and shooting mode (right and left clicks) the same. Made the push button eye detection and made the down button face detection. I don't know, I was thinking this might help once I get the auto focus lens.
More questions though:
1. what is the difference between "Auto" and "Program" modes?
2. how do people generally use 1 & 2 on the mode dial? I would think something like this: set one for some kind of scene mode that is often used, like landscape, keep max ISO very low, manual focus and settings, and set the other for some sport mode, like high max ISO, auto settings, etc..,
3. And a survey for the day: how many people think the shutter button should have been located closer to where the dial on the hand grip is, and the dial where the shutter button is. I have pretty small fingers and I find myself pulling my index finger back to hit the shutter. Can anyone think of a little mechanical device that could somehow re-locate a more ergonomic shutter (come on, there has to be an inventive type out there...)
4. My final question (for now) -- I've successfully transitioned from the initial shock of the A7 being quite the opposite of my leica, and from the terrible manual, to seeing the benefits of all this technology and how it could very much compliment my leica. Unfortunately, that leaves me craving an autofocus lens! It seems that the only one available now is the 35mm, and perhaps the 55mm, and I already have 35mm and a 50mm Leica lenses. What would be the best plan to try out the AF features of this camera: (1) get the 55(currently the most versatile IMO), (2) wait for the 24-70mm f4 (I generally shy away from zooms, but just started to consider this when I think about this camera as a companion to my fully manual leica setup), (3) get neither and wait for the 70-200 f4 OSS? That will be one long wait
Arg...I need a brain replacement with all these choices. Maybe I'll dump all of this and go back to a plastic Diana camera -- then I can focus on shooting ONLY
Dec 05, 2013 at 01:59 PM
p.6 #3Sony A7/A7R Setup
carstenw wrote:
There is no way to skip the box part, which allows you to move the focus box to the subject of interest, but you shouldn't skip that anyway, because so many interesting lenses do not have a consistent focus distance across the image.
I would've agreed with you on the NEX's, because the "box" was such a pain to move on those cameras. However, on the A7/r it's so easy that I'm perfectly happy doing it while already zoomed in. The ability to turn off "box first" mode is one of my top wishes for a future firmware update.
There is no way to skip the box part, which allows you to move the focus box to the subject of interest, but you shouldn't skip that anyway, because so many interesting lenses do not have a consistent focus distance across the image.
I would've agreed with you on the NEX's, because the "box" was such a pain to move on those cameras. However, on the A7/r it's so easy that I'm perfectly happy doing it while already zoomed in. The ability to turn off "box first" mode is one of my top wishes for a future firmware update.
Dec 05, 2013 at 02:02 PM
p.6 #4Sony A7/A7R Setup
I can see that moving it while zoomed in is also fine, but I do think that doing it before zooming in will not take any longer, and will allow you to more carefully place the focusing box, within the composition, without any inadvertent movement...
Dec 05, 2013 at 02:06 PM
p.6 #5Sony A7/A7R Setup
Jeff Kott wrote:
...have the half shutter set to AEL lock...
Lee Saxon wrote:
How do you configure this? I haven't been able to find it.
Jeff Kott wrote:
Page 189 of help guide. Menu - Custom Settings - AEL with shutter. Default is to lock exposure with half shutter press when focus' mode is set to single shot AF.
I assume that in MF mode the "Auto" and "On" settings behave identically, wouldn't you think?
carstenw wrote:
I can see that moving it while zoomed in is also fine, but I do think that doing it before zooming in will not take any longer, and will allow you to more carefully place the focusing box, within the composition, without any inadvertent movement...
That is true, however that assumes the photographer is going to be moving the "box" fairly often, which I don't. I'm not discounting the usefulness of the "box first" mode; my wish is for an option to skip it, not its removal.
...have the half shutter set to AEL lock...
Lee Saxon wrote:
How do you configure this? I haven't been able to find it.
Jeff Kott wrote:
Page 189 of help guide. Menu - Custom Settings - AEL with shutter. Default is to lock exposure with half shutter press when focus' mode is set to single shot AF.
I assume that in MF mode the "Auto" and "On" settings behave identically, wouldn't you think?
carstenw wrote:
I can see that moving it while zoomed in is also fine, but I do think that doing it before zooming in will not take any longer, and will allow you to more carefully place the focusing box, within the composition, without any inadvertent movement...
That is true, however that assumes the photographer is going to be moving the "box" fairly often, which I don't. I'm not discounting the usefulness of the "box first" mode; my wish is for an option to skip it, not its removal.
Dec 05, 2013 at 02:09 PM
p.6 #6Sony A7/A7R Setup
Hello August,
It sounds like you have a reasonable setup for your needs.
1) Program is automatic aperture and shutter speed. Auto is more. See manual page 125, 127, 128.
2) Exactly. Whatever you use often, and you just want to be able to snap in the settings, whatever you were doing.
3)
It isn't ideal for me, but I will adjust.
4) I would recommend getting whichever of the 35 and 55 you prefer as a focal length. The 55 won't be out until January. You will only find out if you like that mode of operation by trying. I think I will end up with 35/55/85 AF lenses, and all my manual lenses. The AF lenses might be a travel or family kit, and the manual stuff for fun.
It sounds like you have a reasonable setup for your needs.
1) Program is automatic aperture and shutter speed. Auto is more. See manual page 125, 127, 128.
2) Exactly. Whatever you use often, and you just want to be able to snap in the settings, whatever you were doing.
3)
It isn't ideal for me, but I will adjust.4) I would recommend getting whichever of the 35 and 55 you prefer as a focal length. The 55 won't be out until January. You will only find out if you like that mode of operation by trying. I think I will end up with 35/55/85 AF lenses, and all my manual lenses. The AF lenses might be a travel or family kit, and the manual stuff for fun.
Dec 05, 2013 at 02:23 PM
p.6 #7Sony A7/A7R Setup
Lee Saxon wrote:
Is there a way to reconfigure what the buttons do during Playback mode? That's 300x less intuitive / more in need of customization than Shooting mode.
First of all, I'm very happy with my A7 and think it does so many things incredibly well!
I agree that the Playback mode requires customization options though, but it doesn't seem that there are any options.
When you have the Play and Trash buttons at the very bottom, but the Zoom button recessed at the top, that's a lot of movement for the right thumb. I suppose this is so that the "Send to Smartphone" button can be more central, but if there was ever a function that could be on a button in the middle of nowhere, that would be it for me...
There doesn't seem to be any other way to zoom an image (aside from going into the Menu and choosing "Enlarge Image"... not exactly a time saver), and until you zoom the image using C2 both dials and the rear wheel/ pad all switch between images.
Though I suppose I could send it to my smartphone and zoom it on that
Is there a way to reconfigure what the buttons do during Playback mode? That's 300x less intuitive / more in need of customization than Shooting mode.
First of all, I'm very happy with my A7 and think it does so many things incredibly well!
I agree that the Playback mode requires customization options though, but it doesn't seem that there are any options.
When you have the Play and Trash buttons at the very bottom, but the Zoom button recessed at the top, that's a lot of movement for the right thumb. I suppose this is so that the "Send to Smartphone" button can be more central, but if there was ever a function that could be on a button in the middle of nowhere, that would be it for me...
There doesn't seem to be any other way to zoom an image (aside from going into the Menu and choosing "Enlarge Image"... not exactly a time saver), and until you zoom the image using C2 both dials and the rear wheel/ pad all switch between images.
Though I suppose I could send it to my smartphone and zoom it on that
Dec 05, 2013 at 02:30 PM
p.6 #8Sony A7/A7R Setup
carstenw wrote:
I can see that moving it while zoomed in is also fine, but I do think that doing it before zooming in will not take any longer, and will allow you to more carefully place the focusing box, within the composition, without any inadvertent movement...
That's how I do it. I compose, move the box, zoom in, focus, shoot. This way, once I focus, I can get the shot quickly.
I can see that moving it while zoomed in is also fine, but I do think that doing it before zooming in will not take any longer, and will allow you to more carefully place the focusing box, within the composition, without any inadvertent movement...
That's how I do it. I compose, move the box, zoom in, focus, shoot. This way, once I focus, I can get the shot quickly.
Dec 05, 2013 at 10:20 PM
p.6 #10Sony A7/A7R Setup
Quick question:
My nex-7 has an EVF that reflects exposure, that is, it gets dark when the image is underexposed and conversely light when it is overexposed.. The a7r seems to just adjust itself to ambient light, regardless of exposure, is this a setting I have overlooked?
Edit:
Setting effect ON!
Found it..
My nex-7 has an EVF that reflects exposure, that is, it gets dark when the image is underexposed and conversely light when it is overexposed.. The a7r seems to just adjust itself to ambient light, regardless of exposure, is this a setting I have overlooked?
Edit:
Setting effect ON!
Found it..
Dec 06, 2013 at 05:23 AM
p.6 #11Sony A7/A7R Setup
Hello,
Having used adapted glass on a NEX 5n for years - I found S Mode, shutter priority a dream because it has auto ISO.
Question now since the a7 and a7r has M mode, manual with auto iso... has anyone noticed any difference in behavior using adapted glass between M and S modes?
Are you finding M and S mode on the a7/a7r, in auto iso, to be the "same"?
If not what are the subtle, if any differences?
Having used adapted glass on a NEX 5n for years - I found S Mode, shutter priority a dream because it has auto ISO.
Question now since the a7 and a7r has M mode, manual with auto iso... has anyone noticed any difference in behavior using adapted glass between M and S modes?
Are you finding M and S mode on the a7/a7r, in auto iso, to be the "same"?
If not what are the subtle, if any differences?
Dec 06, 2013 at 11:47 AM
p.6 #12Sony A7/A7R Setup
I'm confused about two menu items - Focus Area and Focus Settings.
Focus Area has these options: Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible Spot Small
Focus Settings has exactly the same options as Focus Area, but adds two more: Flexible Medium and Flexible Spot Large
So why the duplication, and why have two menu options that are mostly the same?
Focus Area has these options: Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible Spot Small
Focus Settings has exactly the same options as Focus Area, but adds two more: Flexible Medium and Flexible Spot Large
So why the duplication, and why have two menu options that are mostly the same?
Dec 06, 2013 at 06:47 PM
p.6 #13Sony A7/A7R Setup
ulrikft2 wrote:
...The a7r seems to just adjust itself to ambient light, regardless of exposure, is this a setting I have overlooked?
Setting effect ON!
Found it..
Possibly the worst-named / worst-translated option in the menu (and that's REALLY saying something). Congrats on finding it without help, I couldn't.
...The a7r seems to just adjust itself to ambient light, regardless of exposure, is this a setting I have overlooked?
Setting effect ON!
Found it..
Possibly the worst-named / worst-translated option in the menu (and that's REALLY saying something). Congrats on finding it without help, I couldn't.
Dec 06, 2013 at 06:49 PM
p.6 #14Sony A7/A7R Setup
partitura wrote:
I'm confused about two menu items - Focus Area and Focus Settings.
Focus Area has these options: Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible Spot Small
Focus Settings has exactly the same options as Focus Area, but adds two more: Flexible Medium and Flexible Spot Large
So why the duplication, and why have two menu options that are mostly the same?
I think "focus area" only lets you select the modes you mentioned. "Focus settings" first brings up the box for you to move the focus point around, and then you need to press it again to select the focus modes.
I'm confused about two menu items - Focus Area and Focus Settings.
Focus Area has these options: Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible Spot Small
Focus Settings has exactly the same options as Focus Area, but adds two more: Flexible Medium and Flexible Spot Large
So why the duplication, and why have two menu options that are mostly the same?
I think "focus area" only lets you select the modes you mentioned. "Focus settings" first brings up the box for you to move the focus point around, and then you need to press it again to select the focus modes.
Dec 06, 2013 at 07:42 PM
p.6 #15Sony A7/A7R Setup
Lee Saxon wrote:
Setting effect ON!
Found it..Possibly the worst-named / worst-translated option in the menu (and that's REALLY saying something). Congrats on finding it without help, I couldn't.
No kidding! It's much easier to find lots of useful info on this thread rather than trying to find anything in Sony manual.
Said that, is there a way to custom name output files (and if so, where)?
ulrikft2 wrote
...The a7r seems to just adjust itself to ambient light, regardless of exposure, is this a setting I have overlooked?Setting effect ON!
Found it..
No kidding! It's much easier to find lots of useful info on this thread rather than trying to find anything in Sony manual.
Said that, is there a way to custom name output files (and if so, where)?
Dec 06, 2013 at 09:13 PM
p.6 #16Sony A7/A7R Setup
Yes, you are right. After reading your post, I experimented and found that in Focus Settings, if one of the Flexible Spot sizes is chosen, then you can also move the focus box around. Focus Area doesn't have that. I think I'll setup Focus Settings to one of the custom buttons.
ebrandon wrote:
Focus Area has these options: Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible Spot Small
Focus Settings has exactly the same options as Focus Area, but adds two more: Flexible Medium and Flexible Spot Large
So why the duplication, and why have two menu options that are mostly the same?I think "focus area" only lets you select the modes you mentioned. "Focus settings" first brings up the box for you to move the focus point around, and then you need to press it again to select the focus modes.
ebrandon wrote:
partitura wrote
I'm confused about two menu items - Focus Area and Focus Settings.Focus Area has these options: Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible Spot Small
Focus Settings has exactly the same options as Focus Area, but adds two more: Flexible Medium and Flexible Spot Large
So why the duplication, and why have two menu options that are mostly the same?
Dec 06, 2013 at 09:40 PM
p.6 #17Sony A7/A7R Setup
Can some one help with the Wi Fi setup on the A7. I am trying to pair with my iPhone 4S. The iPhone found the camera with no issue. However the camera just kept on trying to connect but never does.
Is there something I overlooked?
Thanks in advance.
Is there something I overlooked?
Thanks in advance.
Dec 06, 2013 at 10:50 PM
p.6 #18Sony A7/A7R Setup
Unsolicited free endorsement
Periodically, I correspond with Gary Friedman http://www.friedmanarchives.com/ . Gary is the goto guy on user friendly comprehensive Sony camera guides and Sony camera seminars. I have purchased Gary's guides for several Sony models and wlll again. My wife uses his RX100 guide. I use his NEX guides. I asked him if there was a guide in the works for the A7 and A7R. The answer is yes but it is a few months out from publication. You might want to check out his web site and get on his email list.
Periodically, I correspond with Gary Friedman http://www.friedmanarchives.com/ . Gary is the goto guy on user friendly comprehensive Sony camera guides and Sony camera seminars. I have purchased Gary's guides for several Sony models and wlll again. My wife uses his RX100 guide. I use his NEX guides. I asked him if there was a guide in the works for the A7 and A7R. The answer is yes but it is a few months out from publication. You might want to check out his web site and get on his email list.
Dec 07, 2013 at 04:05 PM
p.6 #19Sony A7/A7R Setup
HansenTsang wrote:
Can some one help with the Wi Fi setup on the A7. I am trying to pair with my iPhone 4S. The iPhone found the camera with no issue. However the camera just kept on trying to connect but never does.
Is there something I overlooked?
Thanks in advance.
Could you be more specific about which settings you are using?
Can some one help with the Wi Fi setup on the A7. I am trying to pair with my iPhone 4S. The iPhone found the camera with no issue. However the camera just kept on trying to connect but never does.
Is there something I overlooked?
Thanks in advance.
Could you be more specific about which settings you are using?
Dec 07, 2013 at 05:33 PM
p.6 #20Sony A7/A7R Setup
How do the access the ability to move the AF point around the screen? I’ve looked through the PDF manual twice, and I don’t even see this function mentioned. The only way I’ve found to move it so far is to go under the camera menu, to page 3, Focus Settings - press enter, and finally the little arrows appear, enabling the focus spot to be moved around the screen.
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks,
Bill
Dec 07, 2013 at 07:15 PM